5 Travel Essentials for Long-Haul Flights
Leave a CommentUnless you are flying first class, long-haul flights can be a real drag. You’re stuck in a metal tube, whizzing through the sky at an unfathomable speed, wedged into a narrow seat with your legs contorted as they try to fit into the leg-room provided. Ok, it isn’t as bad as I’m making out. And, besides, flying long-haul means you are either going or coming back from some exotic destination. The flight is just part of the experience.
However, there are things that you can do to make these long flights more bearable. How is that possible, I hear you ask. Check out my list of travel essentials and you will see how your long-haul nightmare could turn into something dreamy.
A TV Series
You know all those times you wished there were more hours in the day so you could carry on watching your favourite show? Well now you have all the time in the world. Grab your tablet, laptop, or smart phone and load it up with episodes of that show you have been desperate to watch.
Most online streaming services, including Netflix and Amazon Prime allow you to download TV series and movies onto your device to then watch later without an internet connection. This is crucial as you probably won’t have a WiFi connection at 30,000 ft. Although planes are now increasingly providing WiFi, it is often quite slow and expensive to use so it is better to avoid the risk altogether and download everything you need at home before you go.
A Battery Pack
Some planes have charging points. Others do not. Unless you are 100% sure that your plane has a charging outlet and will accommodate whatever you need to plug in (often they only have USB sockets), you should take your own back up power supply. If you are willing to invest in a decent battery pack, you will find that for less than £25 you can get a small, nifty device that will allow you to fully recharge whatever device you have between 3 and 5 times.
Make sure the power supply is fully charged before you get on the plane and then use it to keep your devices alive while you travel. You will thank yourself when this means you can carry on bingeing through the TV shows you downloaded.
A Neck Pillow
Being comfortable cannot be under-estimated when it comes to long-haul travel. It will make your flight infinitely more bearable and stop you from getting off the plane with your neck cramped into some horrendously awkward position. Some neck pillows go around your neck and clip together at the front, under your chin. I recommend buying one of these as they stop your head from lolling forward while you snooze.
Snacks and Water
Planes really dry you out so it is important to stay hydrated. Taking a water bottle with you is essential as planes usually only provide you with a small cup of water every now and again. Of course, you can ask for more but do you really want to be the passenger pestering the stewards every 10 minutes for a drink? As for snacks, plane food is rarely gourmet and often is barely edible. Taking your own stash of snacks means you don’t have to rely on plane food or risk starving to death in transit.
Beauty Bag
Men, this one is for you too. Everyone should have a little pouch filled with the following things while they travel long-haul. Firstly you need moisturiser. Your skin will dry out on the plane so a good moisturiser and some lip balm will stop your skin going flaky while you travel. Secondly, grab yourself some toothpaste to get rid of your plane breath before you land. That’s it! Simple yet effective.
